share the gospel

in our hostel

Ministry in Amsterdam

Would you be willing to step out in faith to share God's love with people from abroad? We offer you a great mission opportunity!

In a context of hospitality, we share the gospel of Jesus Christ in words and actions among travelers in our two Christian hostels in Amsterdam.

Are you looking for a chance to live, work and share the Gospel in a dynamic international community? Join our ministry! Serve God, share your faith and grow in your walk with the Lord.

Our Christian mission

We strive to be a light for Christ to the 40.000 backpackers who are staying in our two Christian hostels in Amsterdam every year. The love and faith that we have in Jesus are the foundation of everything we do. Through personal interactions and daily hostel activities, we share the love of God with our guests.

Volunteer with us for 1 month up to a year

Serve God, together with other volunteers, while running the hostels in a practical way - working at reception, serving meals to guests or leading the cleaning team

Share the love of Christ while interacting with guests, through conversations or hostel activities.

Are you interested in joining our ministry as a volunteer? Check out ourFAQ page for more practical information!

Why do we use our hostels as a Christian mission opportunity?

Ever since we opened the Shelter hostels in 1971, we found our foundation in Psalm 91:1. We believe that a hostel like the Shelter can be a place where travelers find true rest on their journey and come home to God.

We focus on sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ among backpackers. Because backpackers are often not only on a physical journey but also on a spiritual journey. And they are open to interacting with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and interests. This brings opportunities to explore the meaning of life together in a respectful and open way. It is our deepest desire that they find God as the ultimate shelter for life.

Experiences of volunteers

I used to rely on my own knowledge when telling people about Jesus. I quickly realised here, that God will speak to His children in ways that constantly surpass my understanding. When I gave control back to Jesus, I discovered the joy of not having all the answers but completely trusting that God will reveal Himself when we ask Him to.

During my Christian gap year I gathered some stories that show God’s love for this ministry and his great miracles. I want to share some of these moments with you, so you get a glimpse of how awesome it is to serve in this ministry.

In September 2017, Michael joined the team of cleaning volunteers at the Shelter City. A year later, on the 14th of July, 2018, Taka and Corne baptize him. Read here the testimony that Michael shared right before his baptism.